FR9888 or a synchronous step-down converter IC
28-06-2016, 19:26
This review continues my experiments with step-down voltage converters. Along the way, I’ll also explain a little about what a synchronous rectifier converter is.
TRI1461, another tiny chip for building a DC-DC converter
31-05-2016, 02:40
Last month I reviewed the MP2359DJ chip for building a DC-DC converter, and in the comments people suggested a few other similar chips. A little while later, I ordered a couple of different ones for my “assortment,” and recently I received and tested another one.
MP2359DJ is a pretty good little PWM controller
6-04-2016, 02:35
I came across a mention of this PWM controller on one of the forums. Since I occasionally build various electronic devices, I decided to order one and give it a try. And since I did order it—and even received it (which doesn't always happen these days)—it seemed like a good idea to test it before confirming receipt. Description, testing, and results are all below the fold.
Powerful and Unusual Universal Converter Based on the LTC3780
16-03-2016, 13:31
I finally got around to trying out an unusual SEPIC converter (or so I thought at first). It’s unusual, at the very least, because it uses just one inductor, whereas a conventional one always uses two (or a coupled inductor).
DC-DC Step-Down Module Rated for 10 A
5-03-2016, 00:16
Before New Year, readers asked me to review a couple of converters. Well, it wasn't really any trouble, and I was curious myself, so I ordered them, received them, and tested them. I was actually more interested in a slightly different converter, but I still haven't gotten around to it, so I'll cover that one another time. Today, though, I'm reviewing a simple DC-DC converter rated for 10 A.
Multichannel DC-DC Converter
12-02-2016, 03:15
Today I’m reviewing another kit that lets you build a multichannel voltage converter. Some time ago, at readers’ request, I ordered several different voltage converters. I chose the one I’m reviewing today myself, just out of curiosity—I wanted to see what it was, and thought it might come in handy for someone. Photos, schematics, tests—everything as usual :)
Multichannel DC-DC Converter Pico PSU ATX and a Little About How to Use It
30-11-2015, 00:36
I understand that writing about a converter like this now is a bit like reviewing a steam locomotive's smokestack: interesting, but nobody needs it. But I figured that if I ended up needing one, it might come in handy for someone else too.
A Pair of Step-Up Converters and a Small Upgrade to SEPIC
26-11-2015, 12:40
Just recently, I came across a review of 3.3 V linear voltage regulators. I even joined the discussion, and at some point the topic of powering devices that run on 3.3 V from a lithium battery came up. Since this topic overlapped with one of my upcoming reviews, I decided to do a little experimenting myself.
Universal Voltage Converter, or a Few Words About What SEPIC Is
18-10-2015, 02:32
In today's review, I want to tell you about a rather useful device: a universal voltage converter. What it is, how it works, and what it can do—as always, read on.
DC-DC converter, as sometimes happens.
1-08-2015, 19:21
Today I’ll write not only about a product I tested, but also about how sometimes you plan one thing and, for some reason, end up with something completely different. Anyway, if you’re interested, read on.

29 2090
MC34063: One of the most common PWM (pulse-width modulation) controllers, plus a brief introduction to how DC-DC converters work.

29 2090
19-01-2015, 02:11
A while ago, I published a review showing how to build a PWM regulator using a KR142EN5A. I also mentioned one of the most common and probably cheapest controllers for DC-DC converters: the MC34063. Today, I'll try to add to that earlier review.
A Simple Adjustable DC-DC Converter, or a DIY Bench Power Supply V2.
3-12-2014, 13:33
Many of you probably remember my saga of building a DIY bench power supply. But I've been asked more than once for something similar, only simpler and cheaper. In this review, I decided to show an alternative version of a simple adjustable power supply. Come on in—I hope you'll find it interesting.
A decent ZXY6005S DC-DC module, or a DIY bench power supply.
22-06-2014, 03:37
I had a small homemade power supply that I used to test and power various little projects. But I built it a long time ago, and it had become outdated both mentally and physically. At first I wanted to buy a ready-made replacement, but “that’s not how we do things,” so I decided to build one myself again.












